OWENSBORO, Ky. (7/22/13) - The Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market is a staple of both Daviess County but also Kentucky Proud with their farm-grown vegetables, eggs, beef, pork, fruits, and flowers.

Customers can enjoy fresh in-season local produce, but also music, catering from local restaurants, and other entertainment.

“It’s good for the local farmers and the economy, but is also a good place for socializing,” Carol Hall, who works for the Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market, said.

The regional market can be found at Owensboro Christian Church on Saturday mornings. Saturday, July 30, hosted a 15 mile bike ride on city bike routes. The ride, part of Be Cool, Go Green, Owensboro, promoted using people fuel and not fossil fuel.

The Saturday market also promotes local businesses with groups such as the Sierra Club, Watershed Watch, Master Gardeners, the Audubon Society, and dancers from Bluegrass Bellydance.

Pat Hagman, a local jewelry vendor, said she loves selling to residents in Daviess County.

“It’s a better market,” Hagman said. “I get to really talk to people and get to know them.”

The market has a focus on products that are Kentucky Proud. Kentucky Proud is a program that ensures that Kentuckians are eating fresh and nutritious food, while supporting Kentucky’s farm families, according to the Kentucky Proud website.

“It’s healthy. You don’t get the additives and pesticides of other foods,” said Martha Payne, Master Gardener.

Local farmer, Stacy Merritt’s vendor is a family affair. As a rural family, farming is “a part of life”, she said. Her children were taught to grow and take care of the vegetation to ensure that the abundance could be sold at the market.

“We wanted our kids to learn problem solving and to use their hands,” Merritt said. “Work is a part of life. We wanted them to have a healthy life.”

The regional market is for all ages. This is shown by Ina Bradcher who has been a vendor with her son, Kenny Davis for two years. Bradcher is 83 years young and known for not only her produce but also for handing out her Great Grandma Ina’s Recipes at her stand. Bradcher has grown a garden all her life and over the last few years became a vendor from the products her family raises at Golden Red Sunflower Farm.

“It’s just better product,” Bradcher’s son, Davis said.

Merritt agreed, saying she trusts the product she sells.

“It’s what we feed our families,” said Merritt.

The Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market is open from 6:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at Owensboro Christian Church, 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday at New Life Church; and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday at Smothers Park.